In this episode of the Future Proof HR Podcast, Thomas Kunjappu sits down with Gene Hallenbeck, Vice President of Human Resources at Dennis & Co Auto Group and longtime HR educator, to unpack how HR evolved from paperwork to partnership.

With over four decades of experience from rotary phones and filing cabinets to AI-driven analytics, Gene has seen HR transform from an administrative function into a strategic, trusted advisor to the business. He shares what it takes to modernize HR structures, earn executive trust, and lead with a service mindset that treats employees like customers.

Gene also discusses his hands-on approach to building lean, high-impact teams, his “100-day model” for transformation, and how HR can move from compliance to influence while staying aligned with the organization’s real goals.

Topics Discussed:

• The evolution of HR from manual processes to a strategic partnership
• How HR earned its seat at the table through trust and credibility
• Building lean HR teams that stay aligned with business outcomes
• The 100-day framework for rebuilding HR functions
• Balancing technology, AI, and the human experience
• The mindset shift from administration to a trusted advisor
• Why every HR leader must “earn the seat” every day

Additional Resources:

• Cleary’s AI-powered HR Chatbot
• Future Proof HR Community
• Connect with Gene Hallenbeck on LinkedIn